ONE of a seaside town’s biggest tourist draws from the 1960s could be set to sail back into action.

In 1962 the world’s first passenger and mail hovercraft service operated from Rhyl’s shores, but the venture proved short-lived after the vessel was damaged in a storm.

Now over 40 years later the sea attraction could be returning to sunny Rhyl.

Last week town councillors received a presentation from specialists interested in operating a tourist hovercraft service from the resort.

Geraint Roberts, company director of Hovercraftrental, said the company would like to start services on the North Wales coast and, as well as Rhyl, has also approached Llandudno. The craft would be a 10-seater which would provide short excursions.

“The potential tourist interest will be enormous and will bring in enthusiasts from all over the country,” predicted Mr Roberts.

With a hovercraft service having operated from Rhyl to the Wirral in the early 1960s, the councillors are aware how popular such an attraction can be and showed much excitement for it returning.

“I think this is fantastic for Rhyl,” said Cllr Barry Mellor. “With the funfair going we need something else for visitors.”

Although supportive of the scheme in principle, several councillors did have concerns.

“We must make sure the noise level is much below what it used to be,” said Cllr Peter Williams.

“There is also the backdraft, they throw up a tremendous amount of sand. Let’s get it right – we didn’t get it right the first time.”

Cllr Ian Armstrong’s worry was for the safety of children on the beach.

He said there are only three slipways along the promenade – at the top of Sandringham Avenue, from the Lifeboat station and just past Old Golf Road.

Cllr Armstrong was concerned there will only be marshals at the top of the slipway used and none on the beach when the craft is launched.

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Do you think a hovercraft service in Rhyl would be good for the town? Do you remember the 1961 hovercraft? Send your views and memories to chief reporter Justine Bailey, 84 High Street, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 4UB, or e-mail justine.bailey@northwalesnews.co.uk.